Packaging apparatus

ABSTRACT

Accordingly in a first aspect the invention consists in a packaging apparatus for sealing products or case ready product in a package in vacuum-gas packaging or thermoforming machines, the apparatus includes a first chamber chamber for housing the product or packaged product and at least one second chamber, the first chamber has entry or exit elements, the second chamber is at least attachedly covering the entry or exit elements such that any leakage or change in pressure is detected in the second chamber during gas injection or before sealing. The apparatus is particularly useful for detecting leaks prior to sealing in vacuum packaging for modified or controlled atmosphere preservation systems.

[0001] This invention relates to packaging apparatus. The invention isdirected particularly, but not solely, toward evacuation and gassingapparatus and a method of operation for modified atmosphere packaging.

[0002] Vacuum packaging or thermoforming machines can be used to sealperishable goods in a container having a cover or lid. Such apparatuscommonly provides a sealing station which usually is part of a conveyorsystem which may include several work stations.

[0003] In the case of thermoforming, there is usually a containerforming station followed by a product filling station followed by asealing station and finally a container separating station.

[0004] Initially a lower film web is supplied to the container formingstation where it is formed into a unit of containers or tray-likemembers. Following the container forming station, the product isinserted into the tray like container. Within the sealing station, thetray like containers are placed in a package chamber having a lower partchamber and an upper part chamber separated by an upper film web whichforms the cover or lid of the tray. In the sealing station, the tray ispositioned in the package chamber, under the upper film web to form aninner space between webs for the product. The gas (usually air) isremoved from the upper part chamber and between the films. The lid isthen sealed, to form the package. During the sealing operation one canalso carry out re-injection or back flushing, into the package, with aprotective gas to extend the shelf life and package integrity.

[0005] Prior to the sealing operation, problems are encountered withleakage and or contamination. This is not detected till the end of aproduction run or when the packaged food begins to deteriorate on theshelf.

[0006] It is the object of the present invention to provide an improvedpackaging apparatus which will obviate or minimize the aforementionedproblems in a simple yet effective manner or which will at least providethe public with a useful choice.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly in a first aspect the invention consists in apackaging apparatus for sealing product in a package in vacuum-gaspackaging machines or thermoforming machines, the apparatus includes afirst chamber for housing the product in a package and at least onesecond chamber, the first chamber has entry or exit means, the secondchamber is at least covering the entry and/or exit means such that anyleakage or change in pressure is detected in the second chamber, duringgas injection or before sealing.

[0008] The second chamber has a fluid detection means.

[0009] Preferably the second chamber includes at least one lower and atleast one upper chamber.

[0010] Preferably, the apparatus has at least two lower chambers.

[0011] Preferably the upper and lower chambers are separable to allowinsertion of the product.

[0012] Preferably one lower chamber substantially overlies the otherlower chamber.

[0013] Preferably the first chamber has a fluid detection means.

[0014] Preferably the product comprises a perishable product.

[0015] Preferably the product comprises a product in a covered orover-wrapped tray.

[0016] Preferably the package is a tray-like container having a cover orlid.

[0017] Alternatively the package is a barrier bag having an opening.

[0018] Preferably the first chamber is made up of two parts

[0019] Preferably one part is situated above the lid

[0020] Preferably the one part is situated below the lid.

[0021] Preferably the lid is separated from the tray by spacers.

[0022] Preferably the fluid detection means is a sensor.

[0023] Preferably the sensor is a pressure sensor.

[0024] Preferably there are at least two upper vacuum chambers.

[0025] Preferably the apparatus has sealing means.

[0026] Preferably the fluid is air.

[0027] Alternatively the fluid is an inert gas.

DRAWING DESCRIPTION

[0028] Preferred forms of the invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029]FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of theinvention.

[0030]FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of second embodiment ofthe invention.

[0031]FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment ofthe invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1 the packaging apparatus 100 for sealingpackaged product or case ready product in a package in vacuum-gaspackaging or thermoforming machines, has a first chamber or packagechamber or vacuum chamber 101 which forms an enclosed space, that can beused to house and or seal the package which can contain only raw productor case ready packaging 102.

[0033] Case ready packaging is loosely defined as a perishable productin a covered or over-wrapped tray-like container. The packagingapparatus can be used with modified or controlled packaging for anyperishable products. Alternatively the product may not be packaged butmay be just the raw product which is placed in the first chamber 101.The product or case ready packaging can be placed in a package that caninclude a sealable barrier bag 103 (see FIG. 1) or a barrier tray (seeFIGS. 2 and 3). Vacuum chamber 101 has at least one entry, exit orseparation means 104 and at least one leak detection chamber or secondchamber 105 attached thereto. The entry means 104 allows the enclosedspace to be evacuated or flushed with a fluid. For example a gas.

[0034] The second chamber 105 has fluid detection means 106 which forexample can be pressure sensors. The entry means 104 can be seals and orexit or entry points and can include conduits 107 with the sensors andor valves 108 and 109 located thereon. Packaging chamber 101 can havesealing means for example a sealing bar 110 with sealing bar cylinder111. The conduits 107 enable evacuation or flushing to be carried outtherethrough. The second chamber 105 can be any shape or dimension aslong as the entry and or exit points 104 of the chamber 101 are at leastcovered by said chamber 105 so that leak detection can be carried out.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the packaging apparatus having apackage chamber or vacuum chamber C1 can be used in a or as a sealingstation for a package where a product to be packed and sealed, is placedin the package chamber or vacuum chamber C1. Before sealing, the productis placed in a tray-like container 1 formed from a lower film web 2which has been vacuum formed in another work station (eg a containerforming station-not shown). After being placed in the packagingapparatus, an upper film web is placed over tray-like container 2, toform a cover or lid or web 3.

[0036] The product can be any product that can be conveniently packaged.It is preferred that meat products are being used in the statedapparatus, which seek a low oxygen environment for preservation on adisplay shelf for sale to consumers.

[0037] In FIG. 2 the package chamber is labeled as a vacuum chamber C1,which can be made up of two parts that form the one package chamber. Inuse one part of the package chamber is situated above the lid 3. Theother part of the package chamber is situated below and inside of thetray 2. These parts can be called an upper part chamber 1U and a lowerpart chamber 1L. The lid 3 can be separated from the tray 2, by discretespacers 29 and 30 which enable an connecting passageway or snorkel to beinserted between the lid 3 and tray 2 so that an equilibrium pressurecan be obtained through out the vacuum chamber C1. In FIG. 2 those twoparts of chamber C1 can be formed as two separate chambers i.e. C1 andC3.

[0038]FIG. 2 shows at least one upper vacuum chamber C4 and at least onelower vacuum chamber C2 or C3. Surrounding the lower vacuum chamber C1is chamber C2, which is in turn is surrounded by a chamber C3. For easeof reference the chambers C2 and C3 can be called the lower chambers.The drawings are schematics. The chambers which are merely enclosedvolumes, can be any shape or cross section desired. The chamber C4 canbe as small as just a chamber surrounding the separation or entry pointinto the inner chamber(s) C1 ie chamber C4 can be tunnel-shaped orpassage-like. Alternatively the outer chambers can totally surround theinner chambers or packaging chamber. The function of the outerchamber(s) (eg C4) is to measure for any leakage from the inner chamberC1. This applies equally to 105 in FIG. 1, C3 in FIG. 2 and to C4 and C5in FIG. 3.

[0039] Chamber C1 can be connected to an outlet/inlet means, which inFIG. 2 the outlet/inlet means utilizes the space between the lid 3 andtray 2. A snorkel or any connecting means can be inserted therebetween.The snorkel is used to both remove air from within the covered tray andto inject any protective gas therebetween. For example the protectivegas can be carbon dioxide or an inert gas. Chamber C1 can have apressure sensing means. Lower chambers C2 and C3 can be connected toseparately, to a common vacuum source 5 via lines 6 and 7. Each of thelines 6 and 7 can have sensing means 8 and valve means 9 and 10.Separate vacuum lines could also be used. Preferably the sensing means 8can be a pressure indicator. For the apparatus it is preferred to havesensing means 8 and valve means 9 and 10.

[0040] The upper chamber C4 sits over the upper part of chamber C1. Theupper chamber C4 and the upper part of C1 are also connected to a commonvacuum source 11 via separate lines 12 and 13. These lines will usuallyhave sensing means 16 and 17 and separate valve means 14, 15.

[0041] Sealing means 18, 19, 20 & 21 to seal the lid 3 to the tray 2 andsealing means 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 & 28 a to seal the lidded trayand or chambers, are also shown in FIG. 2. Spacing means 29 and 30 toseparate the lid 3 from the tray 2 and provide means to enable theequalizing of pressures and can be discrete members

[0042]FIG. 3 shows another packaging apparatus as in FIG. 2, but withthe package or vacuum chamber C1 of FIG. 2, now split into two separatechambers i.e. C1 and C3.

[0043] Surrounding vacuum chamber C1 is chamber C2, which is in turnsurrounded by a chamber C4. For ease of reference the chambers C1, C2and C4 can be also called the lower chambers.

[0044] Chamber C1 can be connected to an outlet/inlet means orconnecting means. The connecting means could be a snorkel 4. The snorkel4 is used to both remove air from within the lidded tray and to injectany protective gas therebetween. The snorkel can also have a sensingmeans (not shown). The protective gas for example can be carbon dioxideor an inert gas. Chamber C1 can have a separate vacuum source 40 with anoptional pressure sensing means 41. Chambers C2 and C4 can be connectedto a separate common vacuum source 41 via lines 6 and 7. Each of thelines 6 and 7 can have sensing means 8 and valve means 9 and 10. It ispreferred to have sensing means 8 and valve means 9 and 10.

[0045] The upper chambers are chambers C3 and C5. The upper chambers C3and C5 in use, are situated above the upper lid or film web 3 whichforms an upper sealing member for the tray or bottom web 2 which iscontained within the lower chambers. The upper chambers C3 and C5 arealso connected to a common vacuum source 11 via separate lines 12 and13. Optionally separate vacuum lines can also be used. These lines willusually have sensing means and separate valve means 14, 15. It ispreferred that Chamber C5 has a pressure sensing means 16.

[0046] All the chambers C1-5 have individually controlled sealing units,which can be activated to seal at the appropriate time in the processfor any particular assembly line on a conveyor, to seal the cover or lid3 to the tray 2.

[0047] The apparatus of FIGS. 1, 2 and or FIG. 3 can readily able to befitted into existing work stations and or sealing stations for modifiedatmospheric packaging. One option could be to adapt an existing sealingstation by adding chambers with sensing means to create the apparatus asdisclosed—i.e. retrofitting.

[0048] As a part of a manufacturing process for modified atmosphericpackaging, after product (for example a meat product) placement in thetray-like container 2, the tray-like container 1 is moved to a sealingwork station. At the sealing station where the packaging apparatus isnormally situated, the tray 2 is placed in a package or vacuum chamber,which can be surrounded by an upper chamber and at least one lowerchamber (in use). The tray 2 can be formed from a first film web. Thelid 3 which can be formed from a second film web or upper film web 3, isplaced and connected with but not directly sealed to but is spaced fromthe tray-like container 2, to form a vacuum chamber C1. The spacedlidded tray is then evacuated of air, gas injected and then finallysealed.

[0049] For the apparatus of FIG. 3 there is another form of operationwhereby initially all the chambers are simultaneously evacuated offluids such as air. Once a defined vacuum level is reached, evacuationof all chambers is stopped. The pressure sensors 8 and 12 in C4 and C5will then detect any leak from chambers C4 & C5 while gas is injectedinto C1 & C3 and the lid is sealed. Also because a sensor can be used inthe snorkel line 4, the pressure can be monitored and compared with theresults of sensors 8 and 12.

[0050] Therefore the integrality of the atmosphere within the innerchamber 101 or C1 or C1 & C3 and or the packaging within, can besubstantially guaranteed. The sensing means and valves can be appliedwhere needed. There is no limit to the number of these in the apparatus.

[0051] This invention consist in the parts, elements and featuresreferred to or indicated in the specification of the applicationindividually or collectively in any and all combinations of any two ormore of the parts, elements or features and where specific integers arementioned herein which have known equivalents, such equivalents aredeemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0052] Throughout the description and claims of this specification theword “comprise” and variations of that word, such as “comprises” and“comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components,integers or steps.

[0053] The packaging apparatus has the following advantages:

[0054] 1. Reduced leakage or gas contamination—thus reducing productspoiling.

[0055] 2. Apparatus is readily adaptable to existing sealing workstations.

[0056] 3. Simple concepts are involved.

[0057] 4. Maximizes production rate.

[0058] 5. Dependable performance.

[0059] 6. Easy to manufacture.

[0060] 7. Reduced likelihood of contamination.

1. A packaging apparatus for sealing product(s) in a package invacuum-gas packaging or thermoforming machines, the apparatus includes afirst chamber for housing the product and at least one second chamber,the first chamber has entry or exit means, the second chamber is atleast covering the entry or exit means such that any leakage or changein pressure is detected in the second chamber, during gas injection orbefore sealing.
 2. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1 whereinthe second chamber has fluid detection means.
 3. A packaging apparatusas claimed in claim 2 wherein the second chamber includes at least anupper and lower chamber.
 4. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 3wherein there are at least two lower chambers.
 5. A packaging apparatusas claimed in claim 4 wherein one lower chamber substantially overliesthe other lower chamber.
 6. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 5wherein the first chamber has a fluid detection means.
 7. A packagingapparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the product is a perishableproduct.
 8. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein theproduct comprises a product in a covered or lidded or over-wrapped tray.9. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the packagecomprises a barrier tray-like container having a cover or lid.
 10. Apackaging apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the package comprisesa barrier bag.
 11. A packaging apparatus as claimed in any one of claims9 or 10 wherein the first chamber is made up of two parts.
 12. Apackaging apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein one part is situatedabove the lid.
 13. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 12 whereinthe one part is situated below the lid.
 14. A packaging apparatus asclaimed in claim 13 wherein the lid is separated from the tray byspacers.
 15. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein thefluid detection means is a sensor.
 16. A packaging apparatus as claimedin claim 15 wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor.
 17. A packagingapparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein there are at least two uppervacuum chambers.
 18. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 17wherein the apparatus has sealing means.
 19. A packaging apparatus asclaimed in claim 18 wherein the fluid is air.
 20. A packaging apparatusas claimed in claim 18 wherein the fluid is an inert gas.